Tracking device, system, and method for use with an arrow

Abstract

A tracking system for use with an arrow including a base unit defining an open central section; a holding magnet positioned within the open central section; and a sending unit that includes an electronic circuit; a main body section affixed to an electronic circuit; projections extending from the main body section into the open central section and at least partially surrounding the holding magnet; and a projection extending from the main body section and ending in a point; where the electronic circuit includes a battery and is constructed to emit a tracking signal when activated and the electronic circuit includes a magnet switch element such that the electronic circuit is maintained in a deactivated state as a result of the magnetic field established by the holding magnet.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A tracking system for use with an arrow comprising:
 a base unit, the base unit defining an open central section, the open central section defining a longitudinal axis; 
 a holding magnet positioned within the open central section in such a manner that the holding magnet is capable of movement along the longitudinal axis within the central section, the holding magnet providing a magnetic field; and 
 a sending unit comprising:
 an electronic circuit; 
 a main body section affixed to an electronic circuit; 
 first and second projections extending from the main body section into the open central section and at least partially surrounding the holding magnet in such a manner that the holding magnet is movable relative to the sending unit along the longitudinal axis of the base unit; and 
 a third projection extending from the main body section that tapers to a point; 
 
 wherein the electronic circuit includes a battery and is configured to emit a tracking signal; and 
 wherein the electronic circuit includes a switch element such that the electronic circuit is maintained in a deactivated state as a result of the magnetic field established by the holding magnet. 
 
     
     
       2. The tracking system of  claim 1  wherein the base unit further defines a proximate end configured to be coupled to an end of an arrow shaft and a second end configured to be coupled to an arrow tip. 
     
     
       3. The tracking system of  claim 2  further comprising an arrow shaft coupled to the base unit's proximate end and an arrow tip coupled to the base unit's distal end, and wherein the holding magnet is positioned within the open central section in such a manner that it may move longitudinally within the open central section towards the arrow tip. 
     
     
       4. The tracking system of  claim 3  wherein the base unit is a generally tubular structure defining a partially open tube portion and a closed tubular section. 
     
     
       5. The tracking system of  claim 4  wherein the holding magnet has a structure defining a circular diameter that is relatively constant along its length, and wherein the holding magnet is configured such that it may be placed within the open tube portion of the base unit and positioned, at least partially, within the closed tubular section of the base unit. 
     
     
       6. The tracking system of  claim 1  wherein the electronic circuit comprises an antenna and wherein the main body section of the sending unit defines an opening through which at least a portion of the antenna passes. 
     
     
       7. The tracking system of  claim 1  wherein the base unit is formed from a non-magnetic material. 
     
     
       8. The tracking system of  claim 1  wherein the base unit has a weight and the base unit's weight is within 5 grains of 50 grains. 
     
     
       9. The tracking system of  claim 8  wherein the sending unit has a weight and the sending unit's weight is within 5 grains of 30 grains. 
     
     
       10. The tracking system of  claim 9  wherein the magnet has a weight and the magnet's weight is within 2 grains of 10 grains. 
     
     
       11. A trackable arrow comprising:
 a shaft assembly defining proximal and distal ends and an open area between the proximal and distal ends; 
 a magnet disposed within the open area between the proximal and distal ends of the shaft, the magnet exhibiting a magnetic field; and 
 a sending unit including a main body, an electronic circuit, and a point capable of penetrating at least a portion of a target, where at least a portion of the sending unit is configured to extend into the shaft assembly open area; 
 wherein the electronic circuit is maintained in a deactivated state when located within the magnetic field and is activated to emit a tracking signal when located outside the presence of the magnetic field; and 
 wherein the sending unit is configured to be removably coupled to the base unit in a manner that the striking of a target by the arrow will result in: (1) the point penetrating into the target and (2) the sending unit separating from the shaft assembly as the shaft assembly moves into the target and (3) retention of the magnet within the shaft assembly. 
 
     
     
       12. The trackable arrow of  claim 11  wherein the electronic circuit includes a transmitter that is encapsulated within a material to protect it from fluids. 
     
     
       13. The trackable arrow of  claim 11  wherein the shaft assembly comprises a main shaft coupled to a base unit. 
     
     
       14. The trackable arrow of  claim 11  wherein the open area defines a partially open tube portion and a closed tubular section. 
     
     
       15. The trackable arrow of  claim 14  further comprising an arrow tip coupled to the shaft assembly, wherein the magnet is configured to be placed within the open tube portion of the open area and attracted by the arrow tip into the closed tubular section upon separation of the tracking system from the shaft. 
     
     
       16. An apparatus for tracking an arrow comprising:
 a magnet adapted to be positioned within an arrow shaft apparatus that defines a generally tubular interior space defining a longitudinal axis; 
 a sending unit including a main body terminating in a pointed tip and an electronic circuit that is configured to be in a deactivated state when located physically near the magnet is configured to emit a tracking signal when separated from the magnet; 
 wherein the sending unit defines a body feature configured to extend into the interior space of an arrow shaft apparatus containing the magnet; and 
 wherein the magnet is configured to translate in such a manner that penetration of the pointed tip into a target will cause the magnet to move within the interior space and along the longitudinal axis of the interior space to separate the electronic circuit from the magnet as the shaft apparatus moves into and through the target. 
 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of  claim 16  further comprising a battery within the electronic circuit and wherein the magnet is magnetically attracted to the battery. 
     
     
       18. The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the main body of the sending unit is formed from material that is not magnetically attracted to the magnet. 
     
     
       19. The apparatus of  claim 16  further comprising a tracking device configured to detect an emitted signal from the sending unit. 
     
     
       20. The apparatus of  claim 19  wherein the tracking device includes a screen configured to provide information identifying a relative direction of the sending unit, when the electronic circuit is separated from the magnet.